TRA Organizes a Workshop on ‘Competition Policy and Regulatory Modernisation’

25/09/2017

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), held a workshop, as part of the implementation of the MoU terms signed earlier with the GSM Association. The two entities have agreed on establishing the Centre of Excellence for Telecommunication Policy and Regulatory Capacity Building in the MENA region. This move aims to providing all regulatory tools and best practices for TRA employees as well as the regulators and policymakers across the region, in addition to ensuring an attractive environment that encourages competition and investment in the ICT sector, locally and regionally, supporting the TRA’s vision to achieve the UAE global leadership in ICT sector.  

The TRA announced the organization of a workshop entitled ‘Competition Policy and Regulatory Modernisation’, under the patronage of the Centre of Excellence for Telecommunication Policy and Regulatory Capacity Building in the MENA region. A number of specialists have attended it from the UAE and the GCC Countries. The workshop focused on a number of topics related to mobile policies, most importantly, competition policy and the relationship with telecom regulations, defining markets and assessing competition, challenges in competition analysis, and modernising regulatory framework. The workshop was streamed live online through WebEx and participants from several Arab countries, such as Oman and Kuwait, joined online.

H.E. Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, TRA Director General, commented: “The activation of a training centre with the GSM Association supports the TRA’s efforts to enhance partnerships with relevant institutions, aiming to achieve excellence and support the institutions with staff and policymakers whom are specialized and knowledgeable of the latest technologies and adequate tools. This is in line with the values of quality that we are enhancing in the ICT sector in the country. We believe that launching the Centre and implementation of the agreement are indicators of a new phase of advanced cooperation and holding more agreements that serve our beloved country as well as the region. We rely on the great confidence that the UAE has gained at international organisations, which consists a solid proof of the country’s leadership and reputation.”

H.E. Al Mansoori emphasized that the directives of the leadership are to achieve leadership in various fields and to provide high-quality services to the people in the UAE, relying on the ICT sector, which is the key for development in various vital fields. TRA is enhancing national competencies through ICT Fund, and many other programs such as the training program and the Centre of Digital Innovation (CoDI). Moreover, TRA develops regulations and policies that govern the sector in order to enhance its pursuit of excellence and leadership. 

The Centre of Excellence for Telecommunication Policy and Regulatory Capacity Building in the MENA region provides the regulators and policymakers with a comprehensive understanding of the latest developments in policymaking, regulatory mechanisms, as well as latest relevant methods, theories, models and practices. Additionally, it provides latest business and technological developments related to the mobile telecommunications sector. Furthermore, this MoU will provide capacity building and professional development for all TRA stakeholders such as regulators and policymakers, in addition to many participants nominated by TRA or other entities. 

The MoU provides a comprehensive framework for both parties to collaborate in providing advanced training and capacity building for individuals, to achieve their professional development and enhance their use of modern technologies and telecom services. Additionally, it will enable them to shape a practical vision of the future, make a wide use of modern ICT technologies in the UAE, as well as ensure a positive environment that takes into account the growing role of mobile and broadband communication, encourages competitiveness and supports the role of the private sector.    

The TRA has signed the MoU with the GSMA during its participation in the World Mobile Congress held in Barcelona, Spain, and it aims at achieving the TRA’s vision of excellent and effective presence on global level, and enhancing the strategic partnership with concerned entities.